Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in UK gardens, celebrated for their sweetness, fragrance and versatility in the kitchen. Whether eaten fresh, turned into jam, frozen for later use or baked into puddings, few fruits can rival the flavour of homegrown strawberries. Planting strawberry plants is an excellent way to guarantee a steady supply of berries through summer. Although strawberries are relatively easy to grow, getting the planting right is essential for long term success. Proper preparation, spacing and care ensure that plants remain productive for several years, providing a harvest that can last from early summer into autumn depending on the variety chosen.
Understanding strawberry plants
Strawberry plants are herbaceous perennials, meaning they live for several years but die back in winter and re sprout in spring. They spread naturally by runners, which are long stems that creep along the ground and produce small plantlets at their tips. Gardeners often use these runners to propagate new plants, but strawberries can also be planted from nursery bought plants in pots or packs. Each plant forms a crown at the base, from which leaves, roots and flower stems grow. Healthy crowns are key to productive strawberry beds, so choosing strong plants and planting them correctly is crucial.
Choosing strawberry varieties
There are several categories of strawberry plants to consider. June bearing or summer fruiting varieties produce a heavy flush of berries over two to three weeks in early summer. Perpetual or everbearing varieties crop smaller harvests but continue producing berries intermittently through summer and early autumn. Alpine strawberries, a smaller and more delicate type, provide a continuous trickle of fruit with an intense flavour. Popular June bearing varieties include ‘Elsanta’ and ‘Hapil’, while perpetual favourites include ‘Mara des Bois’ and ‘Albion’. Mixing different types ensures an extended picking season and variety in flavour.
Selecting a site for planting
Strawberry plants thrive in sunny, sheltered positions with fertile, well drained soil. Although they tolerate partial shade, fruit is sweeter and more abundant in full sun. Avoid planting strawberries in areas prone to frost pockets, as late frosts can damage flowers and reduce yields. Good drainage is essential because strawberries are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil. Raised beds, containers or ridges can be useful where soil is heavy or poorly drained. Because strawberries remain in the same position for several years, it is wise to choose a permanent site and prepare it thoroughly before planting.
Preparing the soil
Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Before planting, dig the ground to a depth of at least twenty five centimetres, removing weeds and incorporating plenty of organic matter such as compost or well rotted manure. This improves fertility, structure and moisture retention. If the soil is very heavy, adding grit or sand can improve drainage. As strawberries are prone to certain soil borne diseases, avoid planting them in ground that has recently grown potatoes, tomatoes or raspberries. Rotating the site every three to four years helps keep plants healthy.
When to plant strawberry plants
The best time to plant strawberries is either in early spring or late summer to early autumn. Spring planting allows plants to establish quickly and produce some fruit in their first year, although yields are usually higher in the second year. Late summer planting, typically between August and September, allows plants to root well before winter and ensures a heavy crop the following summer. Container grown strawberries from nurseries can technically be planted at almost any time, but they still benefit most from these traditional windows.
How to plant strawberry plants
To plant strawberries in the ground, dig a hole large enough to spread the roots comfortably. Place the plant in the hole so that the crown sits at soil level. This is a crucial step, as burying the crown too deeply causes rot while leaving it too high exposes roots and dries them out. Firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly. Space plants about thirty to forty five centimetres apart in rows that are seventy five to ninety centimetres apart. This spacing gives each plant enough room to develop, reduces competition and improves airflow, helping prevent disease.
Planting strawberries in containers
Strawberries are ideal for container growing, which suits patios, balconies and small gardens. Choose pots at least twenty five centimetres deep with good drainage holes. Fill them with multipurpose compost mixed with grit for drainage, and plant strawberries so the crowns sit at soil level. Water well after planting. Hanging baskets are another option, producing attractive displays with fruit dangling over the edges. Container grown strawberries need more frequent watering and feeding than those in the ground, but they reward you with convenient harvesting and fewer problems with slugs.
Mulching and weed control
Strawberries benefit from mulching, which helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds and keep fruit clean as it ripens. Traditionally, straw is used, giving the plants their name, but other organic mulches such as compost, bark or horticultural fleece also work well. Apply mulch around the plants in late spring, just before the flowers open. Regular weeding is important, particularly in the first season, as weeds compete for nutrients and water. Take care when weeding around shallow roots to avoid disturbing the plants.
Feeding and watering
Strawberries have shallow root systems, so they require consistent moisture to produce juicy, sweet fruit. Water regularly in dry weather, especially during flowering and fruiting, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering during fruiting to reduce the risk of grey mould, a common fungal disease. Instead, water at the base of the plants. Feeding with a balanced fertiliser in early spring encourages strong growth, followed by a high potassium feed during flowering and fruiting to promote heavy yields. Container grown plants need more frequent feeding due to nutrient leaching.
Training and removing runners
Strawberries naturally send out runners, which are long stems that form new plantlets at their tips. While these are useful for propagation, they divert energy away from fruit production. During the fruiting season, it is best to remove runners unless you specifically want to grow new plants. After the main harvest, you can allow some runners to develop and root, then transplant them to establish new beds. Regularly trimming runners keeps existing plants productive and prevents overcrowding.
Protecting plants and fruit
Strawberry plants are highly attractive to birds, slugs and other pests. Netting is often essential to prevent birds from stripping the plants as the fruit ripens. Slug traps or barriers reduce damage at ground level. Placing straw or fleece beneath the fruit helps protect it from soil splash and rot. Good airflow between plants reduces the risk of fungal diseases such as mildew and grey mould. Vigilance and regular maintenance keep the plants healthy and fruit abundant.
Harvesting strawberries
Strawberries are usually ready to pick from early summer onwards, depending on the variety. Harvest when the berries are fully red, plump and fragrant. Pick by pinching the stem just above the fruit to avoid bruising. Regular picking every two or three days during the season encourages more fruit to ripen. Fresh strawberries are best eaten immediately, as they do not store well, but they can be refrigerated for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage. Preserving them as jam is another traditional way to capture their flavour.
Renewing strawberry beds
Strawberry plants become less productive after three to four years, so it is wise to renew your bed regularly. This can be done by planting new runners in fresh ground or by buying new plants. Rotating the site every few years reduces the risk of soil borne diseases and keeps yields high. Some gardeners maintain two or three strawberry beds of different ages, replanting one each year to ensure a continuous supply of vigorous plants.
Why grow strawberries at home
Growing strawberries at home offers many rewards beyond the pleasure of fresh fruit. Shop bought strawberries often lack the fragrance and flavour of homegrown ones, as they are harvested early to withstand transport. By growing your own, you can pick fruit at peak ripeness for the sweetest taste. Strawberries are also versatile in the garden, suitable for beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets. They are relatively easy to grow, making them accessible for beginners while still rewarding experienced gardeners. The plants are also attractive, with their bright flowers and lush green foliage adding charm to any garden.
Common mistakes to avoid
Planting strawberries with the crown buried too deeply is a frequent cause of failure, as it encourages rot. Equally, planting them too shallow leaves roots exposed and vulnerable. Neglecting to water during dry spells results in small, tasteless fruit, while overwatering encourages fungal problems. Allowing weeds or runners to dominate reduces productivity. Failing to protect fruit from birds and slugs often leads to disappointment. Avoiding these mistakes ensures healthy plants and generous harvests.
Conclusion
So, how do you plant strawberry plants? It starts with preparing fertile, well drained soil and planting the crowns at the correct depth with adequate spacing. With consistent watering, mulching, feeding and protection from pests, strawberries thrive in both beds and containers. By managing runners and renewing beds every few years, you can enjoy abundant harvests of sweet, fragrant berries year after year. Planting strawberries is one of the most rewarding tasks in the garden, and once established, they provide a long lasting return in both flavour and satisfaction.
